Understanding Stimming
What is Stimming?
Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive movements or sounds individuals do to self-regulate. Everybody engages in forms of self-stimulation!
Why do people stim?
There are many reasons why people engage in self-stimulatory behavior, and it can vary greatly from individual to individual. Some common reasons include:
Sensory overload: When an individual is overwhelmed by their senses, they may stim to help them cope and manage the overload.
Anxiety or stress: Stimming can be a calming and soothing mechanism for individuals who are feeling anxious or stressed.
Need for predictability and control: Repetitive movements and sounds can provide a sense of predictability and control for individuals who may struggle with changes in routine or environment.
Communication: In some cases, stimming can be a way for individuals to communicate their needs or emotions, especially if they have difficulty with verbal communication.
Common Types of Stimming
Sensory: Rocking, flapping hands, spinning, chewing on objects, tapping, flicking fingers.
Auditory: Humming, clicking, whistling, repeating phrases, echolalia.
Visual: Staring at lights, watching spinning objects, covering eyes.
Vestibular: Swinging, jumping, pacing, bouncing, rocking.
Proprioceptive: Chewing, clenching fists, cracking knuckles, stretching.
Here are some ways you can support your child's stimming:
Understand the purpose of the stim: Try to identify why your child is stimming. This will help you determine if it is something that needs to be addressed or if it is a helpful coping mechanism.
Provide alternative stims: If your child's stims are causing problems, you can try to offer them alternative stims that are less disruptive or harmful.
Create a sensory-rich environment: Providing your child with a variety of sensory experiences can help them regulate their own sensory input and reduce their need to stim.
Be patient and understanding: Remember that stimming is a normal part of being human. Be patient and understanding with your child, and avoid judging or criticizing their stims.
Reminders:
Stimming can be helpful: Stimming can be a valuable tool for individuals to self-regulate and cope with challenges.
Focus on acceptance and understanding: Instead of trying to stop stimming, focus on understanding why your child stims and accepting them for who they are.
